Typical of many Canberra ex-government houses, this house has one main living area, and with two growing girls this professional couple needed some breakout spaces for themselves. The key challenge was creating a feel of luxury on a limited budget.

This challenge was overcome by careful selections of fixtures; clever selection of finishes and by incorporating some of the clients existing furniture and décor into the project.

The owner loves the contrast of classic dark and light but wanted the house to have a casual relaxed atmosphere. The new interior had to suit her desire for a lighter, fresher spaces and her husband’s desire for darker, more moody spaces. The result is a monochromatic palette with shades of grey from white through to black and a pop of colour in the living room.